The Gay Lord Quex Part 66

SOPHY.

[_Fussing with the objects upon the cabinet and the manicure-table._]

Oh?

QUEX.

Miss Eden had some little commission to discharge at Gressier's, and intended coming across to you immediately afterwards.

SOPHY.

[_Quickly._] Ah, then she hasn't finished her business at Gressier's yet.

QUEX.

Yes, because I looked in at the shop on my way here.

SOPHY.

Funny. I can't imagine where she's taken herself to.

QUEX.

[_Earnestly._] Miss Fullgarney--

SOPHY.

My lord?

QUEX.

I thought we had become good friends, you and I--?

SOPHY.

So we have, I hope.

QUEX.

And that you were desirous of rendering me a service?

SOPHY.

Well, aren't I, my lord?

QUEX.

Are you? You _know_ that Miss Eden came to you directly she left Gressier's. You _know_ she did.

SOPHY.

[_After a pause--drawing a deep breath._] Yes, I--I own it.

QUEX.

[_Reproachfully._] Ah, Miss Fullgarney!

SOPHY.

She _has_ been in, and I _have_ done you the service I promised.

QUEX.

[_Calmly._] You have?

SOPHY.

Indeed I have, as true as I stand here. [_Steadying herself._] But the fact is--the fact is Miss Eden had a purchase to make that she didn't wish the ladies to interfere over, and--and she has run out for ten minutes. If your lords.h.i.+p must know where she is, she's in the Burlington.

QUEX.

[_Very quietly._] Oh, she has run out for a few minutes?

SOPHY.

She might be a quarter of an hour.

QUEX.

Not _run_ out; _flown_ out, at one of these windows.

SOPHY.

[_Faintly._] One of these windows?

QUEX.

[_Pointing to the entrance._] She has not gone out by the door.

SOPHY.

What do you mean?

QUEX.

Your young ladies a.s.sured me just now that Miss Eden was in this room with you. [FRAYNE, _possessed of an idea, has gone to the door in the part.i.tion. He now raps at the door gently._] No, no, Chick--please! we are not policemen.

FRAYNE.

[_Opening the door a few inches._] Miss Eden, I regret to learn you are suffering from headache.